Day 22

I should have spit venom at your feet

and laid each word down plain.

Instead I apologized for something you did

like it was my job

because it has been my job to hold

this relationship together

but I have lost all the pieces of my backbone

they are probably hiding in the secret corners

of your bathtub,

linen closet,

clavicle.

I have been a victim of gas-lighting

where every complaint I lodged

was wiped off like the rain

in a down pour,

where I began to learn that my

grievances were not worth the trouble.

I have been an active player in my

own victimization.

I have a habit of seeking out the ones

who will belittle me,

but I have acquired a new superpower.

I am not going to believe your banter anymore

because that perpetration on me

is merely a reflection of your

isolated self-righteousness.

I have started to believe that my voice isn’t of value,

but you’re wrong and that’s a bold-faced lie.

I can hold my own in a battle of words with you,

you have met your match in a challenge of wits with me

and I’m not going to let you take the lead again.

I am not weak.

I’ve decided to stop letting you make me feel like I am.